*2013* epcot food & wine festival 9/27-11/11

[Lindaland]

It was there, on the restaurant listings, but I was not able to click through to make a reservation.

Online booking for everything, including the demos, is not supposed to open until August 13. Any booking done August 9-12 was supposed to be by phone only.

How do you book these online?? I thought you had to call in the morning after 7am, but then again when I was waiting for FD to come out, I read that some people were booking online after midnight. Is it the same with the special events?

 

[sunshinecruise]

There are still no schedules for the deminars? I woke up in the middle of the night and I was excited to think that I would be able to see the schedules this morning. Now I will be obsessively checking my computer every 15 minutes all day.

 

[willidc]

Too bad my TIW lapsed ... I won't be getting another AP until next year, so I'm just crossing my fingers I'll be able to get my one big event I want to do when the cattle call opens up.

As for the wine deminars, it really is ridiculous that Disney doesn't lock these up and publish the schedule earlier. It really gives the impression that this thing is a last minute slapped together "Mickey Mouse" operation.

And perhaps that is just what it is! Still nothing as I head out for the day

 

[TDC Nala]

Nope. No schedule yet. And I hear you could book the online stuff yesterday if you hit it just right. I know someone who actually booked a deminar and paid for it - no, she didn't know who the chef is or anything. I know I want to see if they let her keep it but I don't see any reason why not. The links for reservations were all taken down eventually.

TIW doesn't get a head start on anything but the demos. So if you're looking for the larger events you will have just as much of a chance as anyone else on Tuesday.

 

[gwynne]

And perhaps that is just what it is! Still nothing as I head out for the day

I've got The Disney Food Blog minimized. I'll be hitting refresh during my day. I'll bet many, many others are doing the same.

 

[TDC Nala]

How do you book these online?? I thought you had to call in the morning after 7am, but then again when I was waiting for FD to come out, I read that some people were booking online after midnight. Is it the same with the special events?

There are only a few things you can book online: culinary demonstrations, beverage seminars, mixology seminars, Party for the Senses, 3D Dessert Party, Scotland: Land of Food and Drink, and Spirits Confidential. The last four will have online booking for general admission only, not for reserved seating.

Anything else you have to call.

I don't know what you mean by booking online after midnight, but yesterday's glitch aside, you cannot book these until Tuesday morning. Most online booking rolls over to the next day at 6 Am, not midnight.

 

[Nakkira]

I agree. This is a little crazy. Early booking starts in 2 days yet we have no information on what is available to book. Are we supposed to just guess what the presentations are on certain days or hope for the best?

Still waiting for some kind of listing telling me exactly what the $12-15 seminars will be.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Still waiting for some kind of listing telling me exactly what the $12-15 seminars will be.

Disney wants you to "trust them" and just throw money at them. (And actually this works for them quite often)

If the failure to publish timely actually resulted in a decrease in sales they would get their act together..... but the truth is tomorrow at 8 am folks will call and throw money at them. (I see LONG waits tomorrow as a lot of folks will actually expect the CM to tell them WHAT they are buying LOL! Even if Disney publishes today some folks won't have seen it. Not everyone lives by their computer waiting on the disorganized to get their act together )

 

[LVSWL]

Disney wants you to "trust them" and just throw money at them. (And actually this works for them quite often)

If the failure to publish timely actually resulted in a decrease in sales they would get their act together..... but the truth is tomorrow at 8 am folks will call and throw money at them. (I see LONG waits tomorrow as a lot of folks will actually expect the CM to tell them WHAT they are buying LOL! Even if Disney publishes today some folks won't have seen it. Not everyone lives by their computer waiting on the disorganized to get their act together )

That will be a nightmare! I can see what you mean. ugh!

 

[CoryBelle21]

I really feel bad for all the TAs out there. I know mine spent two 8+ hour days on the phone with Disney last week when the free dining and room only discounts came out. Now he'll be on more long phone calls booking all his clients for F&W events. And the CMs are surely feeling the same frustrations.

The telephone booking system is just madness. It's a shame that Disney can't get its act together. This could all be prevented so easily.

 

[horselover]

Found this info on the Chase Visa Site:

Discover a delicious retreat just for Chase Cardmembers.

Tasting your way around the world just got sweeter. Enjoy the Cardmember exclusive Chase Lounge during the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival from September 27 - November 11, 2013.1, 2 Have a seat, put your feet up and relax on a comfy couch. Plus, recharge your cell phone (and yourself), enjoy complimentary soft drinks, purchase a beer or glass of wine, and catch up on some of your favorite magazines and sports on TV. After you are refreshed and ready for more, check the interactive festival map, grab your passport and head out to sample more.

Cardmembers can visit the Chase Lounge from 11am-9pm on Sunday through Thursday and 11am-10pm on Friday and Saturday during the festival.

The Lounge is located in the American Adventure Pavilion on the third floor (please use the elevator located between the attraction and the gift shop).
Present your Disney's Visa® Card to gain access to the Lounge (separate Epcot® admission is required).

Thanks. That is good to know. Much shorter walk from the Beach Club too.

 

[TheMaxRebo]

Disney wants you to "trust them" and just throw money at them. (And actually this works for them quite often)

If the failure to publish timely actually resulted in a decrease in sales they would get their act together..... but the truth is tomorrow at 8 am folks will call and throw money at them. (I see LONG waits tomorrow as a lot of folks will actually expect the CM to tell them WHAT they are buying LOL! Even if Disney publishes today some folks won't have seen it. Not everyone lives by their computer waiting on the disorganized to get their act together )

that is true

caller: Hi I'd like to book a culinary demonstration during F&WF
CM: ok I'd be happy to help with that. Which demonstration are you interested in?
caller: oh, it doesn't matter, just take my money so I can mark one more thing as done on my trip planning list

 

[WDWGeek1971]

that is true

caller: Hi I'd like to book a culinary demonstration during F&WF
CM: ok I'd be happy to help with that. Which demonstration are you interested in?
caller: oh, it doesn't matter, just take my money so I can mark one more thing as done on my trip planning list

Sad, but true. The Disney marketing philosophy/excuse is probably something like, "In response to guest demand, we are offering the opporutnity to enjoy the magic and surprise of what mystery experience awaits you at our Food and Wine demonstrations! Just pick a day and a time and be surprised! Have a magical day!"

 

[BriarRosie]

I am still confused-can someone repeat exactly what can be purchased on Friday with early booking? Regular PFTS? Signature dinners? Tequila lunch? Seminars?

The only early bookings tomorrow (Friday) are the food and beverage demo/seminars held in the Festival center formerly known as Wonders of Life. But it's restricted to people who have:

Tables in Wonderland or
Annual pass or
Disney Vacation Club

If you don't have any of those, you can book on Tuesday with all the other paid events.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Sad, but true. The Disney marketing philosophy/excuse is probably something like, "In response to guest demand, we are offering the opporutnity to enjoy the magic and surprise of what mystery experience awaits you at our Food and Wine demonstrations! Just pick a day and a time and be surprised! Have a magical day!"

Lol I love that. They might start to charge extra for this magical surprise lol.... Knowing my luck I would score the 'famous' hot dog chef from the food cart outside rock n rollacoaster... Been in the catering business for nearly 2 months now..man can he turn those dogs.

 

[TDC Nala]

If I remember correctly when you booked seminars online last year there was NO information in the booking engine itself about whose seminar you were booking. You chose a time. You had to know before you booked which time you wanted.

Everything is supposed to be by phone tomorrow, but I am betting that if we don't have the list tomorrow, they probably won't either.

I also don't think booking tomorrow (assuming we have something to tell us what we are booking) is going to be nearly as bad as booking on Tuesday. The phone lines will be tied up for hours.

 

[LVSWL]

Last year when I booked early I at least knew if the food would be crab, lobster etc.

 

[bek]

I'm going to F&W with my DIL and I just remembered she is allergic to seafood. How do food allergies get dealt with in the low cost culinary demos or even something like the Tequila/Mexican lunches? Also at the kiosks?

 

[WDWGeek1971]

I'm going to F&W with my DIL and I just remembered she is allergic to seafood. How do food allergies get dealt with in the low cost culinary demos or even something like the Tequila/Mexican lunches? Also at the kiosks?

Food allergies at the demos: As always, make any allergies known when you book your reservation, and again when you check in for the event. I have no idea what sort of/if any accommodations will be made. See below, on how to ask Disney. If I had a severe food allergy, I would seriously consider not booking the demos/seminars, and if I decided to risk it, I would bring counter measures. Some food items are pre-distributed (like crackers for wine tastings), seating is close/crowded, cross-contamination--even at the table--seems very possible to me.

For the events, do the same--notify Disney when you make your reservation and again on check in and again when you meet your server. Make a point of talking to the Chef or Restaurant/Event Manager when you arrive at the restaurant. It wouldn't hurt to arrive a bit early, and make your needs known. At the more signature events, you have a better chance of being accommodated with changes to your individual experience.

For the kiosks, again, tell them about the allergy and ask for information when you place your order, just as you would at a counter service restaurant. There are roving food service managers, too, during the festival. You could ask a Cast Member to flag one down for you.

HOW TO ASK DISNEY ABOUT SPECIAL DIETS/FOOD ALLERGIES
If you want real and specific answers, in advance, you should try calling or emailing the Special Diet department —SpecialDiets@DisneyWorld.com, or call at (407) 824-5967. They should be able to provide very specific guidance.

At Disney, there is no need to self-determine the ingredients of any food item. Do not be afraid to ask for information or guidance. Of all places you could dine out, this is probably one of the best for accommodating special diets.

If you find yourself in a situation where there isn't enough information, then go somewhere else. Make sure you let Disney know if you encountered either a really good or really bad experience.

 

[winthropf]

I'm going to F&W with my DIL and I just remembered she is allergic to seafood. How do food allergies get dealt with in the low cost culinary demos or even something like the Tequila/Mexican lunches? Also at the kiosks?

I attended one of the culinary seminars last year that included an ingredient to which I am allergic. I didn't sign up in advance. I went to the festival center the day of the demo and spoke to the CMs selling the tickets for the demos. They contacted the kitchen and I was told that the chef would prepare something different for me. When I got the demo, I told the person taking the tickets about the allergy and that something different was being prepared for me. They told me that they were aware and told me where to sit so the the servers would know I had the different sample.

Simple and easy.

I had wanted to attend this demo since later in the year I was cooking for a dinner that was serving it, even though I could not eat it.